Peep Show

New York Rangers:Mark Messier is waiting for permission to play outside. Rangers president, GM and head coach Glen Sather, who will be coaching the Oilers old-timers against Canadiens old-timers at the Heritage Classic, said he wants to make sure his team's leading goal-scorer is healthy before letting him play in the exhibition Saturday in Edmonton.

Tampa Bay Lightning: Tampa Bay left winger Dave Andreychuk has just one goal so far and is on pace for the lowest output of his 22-year career. But his defensive contributions and the fast start by the Lightning haven't caused him to worry about this slump.

Edmonton Oilers: Another oldster, Adam Oates, hasn't scored a goal yet, but he has a better excuse. Oates just signed a free agent contract with Edmonton and plans to help lead the young Oilers by example with hard work, not be a savior.